TotalEnergies and OQEP have launched the Marsa LNG plant in Oman, set to be one of the world’s lowest carbon intensity LNG facilities. The project aims to create the first marine LNG bunkering hub in the Middle East, significantly reducing emissions for the shipping industry and aligning with Oman’s Vision 2040 sustainability goals. First production is expected in 2028.
In a significant advancement for the energy sector in Oman, TotalEnergies and OQ Exploration and Production (OQEP) have commenced the construction of the Marsa LNG plant. This event took place in Sohar, Northern Oman, and was led by His Excellency Eng. Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, the Minister of Energy & Minerals. Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies, and Ahmed Al Azkawi, CEO of OQEP, were also present, marking the official ground-breaking of the plant, which had been greenlit a year earlier.
The Marsa LNG facility is noteworthy, with a production capacity anticipated to reach 1 million tons per year. Designed primarily to cater to the marine fuel market—specifically LNG bunkering—the plant aims to enhance the shipping industry within the Gulf region. The first production is expected to kick off in early 2028, positioning the facility as crucial for upcoming energy transitions.
This LNG plant will not only be one of the lowest carbon intensity facilities on the globe but also significantly electrified. It will include a 300 megawatt photovoltaic solar power station to fulfill its annual energy requirements. According to estimates, emissions from Marsa LNG will be lower than 3 kg of CO2 equivalent per barrel of oil equivalent, making it an impressive 90% cleaner than the global average for LNG plants.
Located strategically at the entrance to the Gulf, Marsa LNG is set to establish the first marine LNG bunkering hub in the Middle East. Alongside the plant, Marsa LNG LLC has entered into a charter agreement for a new bunkering vessel named Monte Shams—which translates to “Mountain of the Sun.” This vessel is positioned to supply LNG to a variety of ships including large tankers and cruise vessels starting in 2028.
The advent of LNG as a marine fuel is pivotal, offering a transition option that can cut greenhouse gas emissions by about 20% versus conventional fuel oil. The environmentally friendly production method at Marsa LNG further enhances emission reductions for ships utilizing the bunkering services in Sohar.
Patrick Pouyanné expressed his pride in breaking ground on the Marsa LNG project, emphasizing the project’s ability to deliver low carbon LNG production. He stated that TotalEnergies aims to set a benchmark for the next generation of LNG facilities worldwide while supporting the energy transition in shipping.
His Excellency Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi highlighted the project’s strategic importance for Oman. He noted its role in promoting economic integration and its alignment with Oman’s Vision 2040 sustainability objectives. The Minister emphasized that the project paves the way for cleaner maritime fuel supply while also fostering economic growth and job creation.
Ahmed Al Azkawi, in turn, commended the collaboration between TotalEnergies and OQEP, affirming that the Marsa LNG initiative is an important step toward driving innovation in the local energy landscape. He underlined the project’s potential to significantly lower emissions in the shipping industry, enhancing Oman’s footprint as a global energy player.
TotalEnergies’ footprint in Oman stretches back to 1937 when it first entered the market. The company has launched other projects aimed at enhancing renewable energy capacity and is deeply integrated in the LNG sector with ambitions to reduce its carbon output globally.
With the launch of the Marsa LNG facility, Oman is taking a decisive step toward a sustainable energy future, strengthening its position in the global energy landscape while ensuring clean, efficient power for the maritime sector. This strategic endeavor is expected to serve as a model for similar initiatives in the region and beyond.
The groundbreaking of the Marsa LNG plant signifies a critical move for Oman’s energy sector and highlights TotalEnergies and OQEP’s commitment to low-carbon LNG production. The facility is poised to serve as a pioneering marine LNG bunkering hub in the Middle East, reinforcing Oman’s role in the global energy marketplace. With target emissions significantly lower than industry averages, Marsa LNG is set to support the shipping industry’s vital energy transition, aligning closely with Oman’s sustainability objectives.
Original Source: totalenergies.com
